Sketches of 2 suspects in sabungero’s kidnap out  

MANILA, Philippines — The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) yesterday released the computerized composite sketches of two suspects in the disappearance of a sabungero or cockfight player in Laguna last year.

The CIDG said the sketches of the suspects were taken from a cell phone video, which showed how Michael Bautista was kidnapped by two men.

The video showed Bautista in handcuffs while walking with the suspects outside a cockpit arena in Sta. Cruz, Laguna in April last year.

CIDG spokesperson Maj. Mae Cunanan said while the video should still be enhanced, it was able to give probers possible leads.

“We will be able to identify the suspects through facial recognition,” Cunanan told reporters. “We will give the raw video to the police Anti-Cybercrime Group to enhance the facial composite of the suspects.”

Police said the suspects could be part of an organized crime group using employees of cockfighting arenas.

Earlier, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee described the cell phone video as vital evidence in the investigation on the disappearance of Bautista and 33 other missing sabungeros.

Lee said kidnapping charges would be filed against the suspects before the Department of Justice.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the National Bureau of Investigation is working with the CIDG regarding the case of the missing cockfight enthusiasts.

“We don’t want the families of the victims to think that the case is being set aside by the government,” Remulla said.– Robertzon Ramirez